A U.S. intelligence report has provided the first high-resolution images of China's top-secret Shenlong spaceplane, also known as the 'divine dragon.' The images, captured by intelligence firm Vantor in 2024 and included in the Defense Intelligence Agency's (DIA) latest 'Challenges to Security in Space' report, offer a clear glimpse of the craft, which has previously been observed releasing mysterious objects in low-Earth orbit.

China has maintained extreme secrecy around its experimental spaceplane program, with no official photographs of the spacecraft released until now. The Vantor image depicts the craft with its payload doors partially open and docked with a secondary satellite, likely a service module providing additional power or support systems. The spaceplane itself is approximately 26 feet long, according to Vantor's annotated version of the photo.

Experts note a remarkable resemblance between the Shenlong and the U.S. Space Force's robotic spaceplane, the X-37B. The X-37B, which has undertaken multiple secret missions since 2010, serves as an experimental platform for the U.S. Air Force. Professor Jonathan McDowell, a satellite tracking expert, commented that the overall layout of the Chinese spaceplane, including its payload bay and rear service module, strongly suggests it was developed with the X-37B as a model.

Experts say that the Shenlong spaceplane is extremely similar in design to the US Space Force's own robotic spaceplane, the X-38B (pictured)

Since its first mission in 2020, the Shenlong has been the subject of intense observation. The DIA report indicates China has launched three spaceplane missions, one in 2020, another in 2022, and a third that began in 2023. However, it remains unclear if these missions were conducted by a single craft or multiple operational spaceplanes. Previous radar tracking has identified the Shenlong releasing numerous unidentified payloads, believed to be small cube satellites, though their purpose remains unknown. In one observed instance, the spaceplane appeared to release a satellite into orbit and then retrieve it months later. Another report noted the spaceplane maneuvering extremely close to a smaller spacecraft, suggesting a capability for capturing and re-releasing objects.

The image was captured by the intelligence company Vantor in 2024. It shows that the craft's payload doors are open and that it is docked with a secondary satellite

While the DIA report does not speculate on the specific functions of the Shenlong, experts suggest its capabilities could include testing new equipment in orbit for return and reuse, or demonstrating China's ability to operate a robotic mini-shuttle.